Ismail Ahmed: There are no Secrets and Both Teams Set Sights on Winning
Ahmad Ismael, the “international” player of Al Ain FC, put emphasis on the fact that the coming top clash between Al Ain and Al Hilal in their first match of Group D in the AFC Champions League is so important. He underlined: “Both teams know each other in terms of potentials, specially we already played against Al Hilal early this season during the recent edition of the Asian Championship. I believe the match will be exactly like an open book and there are no secrets despite the recent changes in the name of players in both teams.” He indicated: “Both teams will do their best to snatch the three points.”
“Al Ain and Al Hilal matches have their own peculiarities. However, group stage is not like quarterfinals and above all is that the atmosphere and circumstances of tomorrow’s match are entirely different from our last encounter against Al Hilal. I expect both teams will play tomorrow away from any pressures,” added he.
“Since the kickoff of the current season, we have been focusing on redoubling our efforts to be at the highest level of fitness together with the commencement of the AFC Championships League, because the latter requires different and special preparations that empower the team to show their genuine potentials and be able to play in swift rhythm with high concentrations starting from the kickoff whistle until the last minute as the continental challenge differs from the local competitions,” stressed Ismael.
On the strong and anticipated support of fans who will attend to sustain the ambitions of the opposing team, especially as it is a historic match which represents the official inauguration of the new stadium, he said: “Surely, the fans of Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal is featured by their prominent support of the team and we respect and appreciate all of them.” He went on to say: “Al Ain indeed like to play matches with standings of the stadium is full. I believe that any player wishes to be part of such big games expected to be attended by nearly 60-70 thousand fans because the fans of football will make players push themselves to the limit and do all their best on turf.”
Al Ain defender stressed that the goal of the “Boss” in every season is clear-cut, i.e. boosting its lead position by winning more titles of championships whether they are local or continental ones. He emphasized: “This current season coincides with the golden jubilee of the club marking its 50th anniversary since establishment in 1968. Additionally, being the champs of the Arabian Gulf League will qualify the team to represent UAE in the Club World Cup Abu Dhabi 2018. Of course, President’s Cup is the most valuable competition and that winning the title of the AFC Champions League will definitely make the Ainawi Nation the happiest one.” He signed off: “We provoke to Allah Al Mighty to grant us success in achieving the aspirations of each member of Al Ain.”
